2024 center Chol Machot breaks down Mississippi State decision
Winston Salem (N.C.) Christian School’s Chol Machot got his first look at Mississippi State’s basketball program via an unofficial visit last Thursday and Friday. It didn’t take long for the 2024 center and On3 three-star prospect to realize he wanted to be in the Bulldogs’ program on a permanent basis.
On Monday the 7-foot Machot committed to Mississippi State and became the second commitment for the Bulldogs’ Class of 2024, joining On3 four-star point guard Dellquan Warren. Machot is rated as the nation’s No. 26 center and the state’s No. 14 prospect per On3 rankings. He also holds offers from MIssouri, Seton Hall, TCU, VCU and California among others.
“I just feel like I have a good future there,” explained Machot. “It is a good atmosphere with people that can help me get to the place I want to be and people that can develop me. The staff has always treated me like a priority and it’s been amazing with Mississippi State.”
During his initial trip to Starkville, Machot was able to get a good overall view of the program. That included on the court and off the court.
“They showed me all around campus and I checked out the team,” Machot recalled. “I got to check out the academics, the strength staff and the nutritionist and that type of stuff. The best part to me was just meeting the team and being around the people in that environment.”
And regarding the current Bulldogs on the roster, Machot felt “at home” with his time around the players.
“I got to be around Jimmy (Bell), Shawn (Jones) and basically the whole team,” added Machot. “They were nice to me and made me feel at home. They really treated me well.”
Machot was also able to watch his future teammates on the practice floor, too. Naturally, observing a college basketball practice was a much different experience for him.
“That was a good experience to watch them practice,” noted Machot. “It is much different compared to high school. Their practices are longer, more physical and higher paced. I have not seen a practice like that before. They do so many things and so many drills. They work on different aspects of the game and it is very organized. I noticed they have good guards that can put the ball on the floor and make shots, too.”
The November signing period for college basketball begins on Wednesday. Over the past couple of months, Machot has built a solid connection with head coach Chris Jans and is now eager to begin that future with Jans and his staff.
“On my visit I had a good time being around Coach Jans,” mentioned Machot. “We talked about my future and my possibilities there and how I fit the team. He is a great coach, down to earth and is very engaged with his plays. He wants to win, just like me, so it is a good fit for me. I am also close with Coach Patrice (Days) and he is a cool guy. I just like their whole staff.”
